Virat Kohli steps down as India's Test captain

In what comes as a big blow to India, Virat Kohli has stepped down as the team's Test captain. He announced his decision to quit captaincy in the longest format of the game on Saturday, just a day after losing the three-match Test series to South Africa by 1-2.

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The batting maestro took to Twitter to convey the news. In a long statement, he mentioned the fact that he has done his job with utmost honesty and has left no stone unturned in ensuring that he left nothing out there. He also drew light on his journey as India's Test captain.

"It's been 7 years of hard work, toil and relentless perseverance everyday to take the team in the right direction. I've done the job with absolute honesty and left nothing out there. Every thing has to come to a halt at some stage and for me as Test Captain of India, it's now. There have been many ups and also some downs along the journey, but never has there been a lack of effort or lack of belief. I have always believed in giving my 120 percent in everything I do, and if I can't do that, I know it's not the right thing to do. I have absolute clarity in my heart and I cannot be dishonest to my team," read Virat Kohli's statement.

I want to thank the BCCI for giving me the opportunity to lead my country: Virat Kohli

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"I want to thank the BCCI for giving me the opportunity to lead my country for such a long period of time and more importantly to all the teammates who bought into the vision I had for the team from day one and never gave up in any situation. You guys have made this journey so memorable and beautiful. To Ravi Bhai and the support group who were the engine behind this vehicle that moved us upwards in Test Cricket consistently, you all have played a massive role in bringing this vision to life. Lastly, a big thank you to MS Dhoni who believed in me as a captain and found me to be an able individual who could take Indian Cricket forward," his statement further read.

🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/huBL6zZ7fZ

— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) January 15, 2022

This news came as a big shock to the cricketing fraternity, as well as the fans, who couldn't digest the news either. Nevertheless, it is to be noted that the 33-year-old was axed as ODI captain earlier last month.

He took over as Test captain during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2014-15 and since then, has primarily held the role since then. In the 68 Tests in which he led the Asian side, Kohli won 40 games and lost 11. This includes a series win against Australia during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2018-19. Under his leadership, India made it to the inaugural World Test Championship Final as well.